Law, economics, and literature library and cidopial archive, Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Built in the 1960s by Sainsaulieu et Daurel, the library is part of a large panorama. The lightness of its metal structure, its large open-plan floorplates and the building’s resultant transparency extend the views down this perspective.

Our extension enlarges the building via a horizontal structure that respects the existing composition and reinforces the contrast between the lightness of the reading room building and the solidity of the book tower.A ceiling punctuated with lightwells illuminates the reading rooms. The large floorplate gives the reader an overall vision of the space. The exterior walls are covered by bookshelves, above which high-level windows diffuse light.

 Location

Campus de Pessac, 33608 Bordeaux

Client

Rectorat de l’Académie de Bordeaux

Project cost (ex.tax)

1,91 M€ valeur 1997

Area

2 300 sq.m.

Scope of services

Standard public works contract

Competition

1997

Completion

2000

Brief

Large library reading rooms

Themes

fluidity, working to respect an existing building, light

Materials

concrete, glass, metal

Lead architect

Pargade

Engineering consultant

OTH Sud Ouest